Whole Blood

Tom told me last night, Riley will probably receive whole blood today. Yesterday he received another transfusion of platelets. His red cell numbers are approaching the point where they give whole blood. I pray each time that its a magic transfusion, that someone out there has blood so special, Riley's blood perks up and starts working again magically on its own. We all wish for that magic shot, that cure all. I have faith in modern medicine, even if the doctor said how he is treating Riley will be considered primitive in 10 years time. There are no other choices.

When you read up on the Internet sights, they all talk about the same thing, the same treatments, the same studies. There are so few people that get this disease, there is not a large pool of subjects to work with. Then you have to take out adult studies, because they have an even worse chance of beating this than children do.

I will be interested today on what Riley's numbers are from his 3:00 am blood draw. They gave him platelets when the number was 7 yesterday. I was hoping they would wait a little longer to spread them out, but I think this ATG is powerful. They probably can't risk 3 or 5 while he is on the medication. The magic number is 7.6 for red cells. Yesterday his oxygen level was still good. He had energy. As those red cells fall further he will get headaches and be tired and listless.

When I stopped by the hospital last night I could tell Tom was in charge. The room looked like boys lived in it. I cleaned up the litter and empty pop cans. There are garbage cans everywhere, but can my boys find them? I laughed, it was good that they were comfortable. I brought Riley get well cards from school from the other students. We hung them on the walls to give the room some color and interest.

I also have a new prayer shawl. I found a prettily wrapped bag on my door step the other day. Riley had wanted a prayer shawl also and had confiscated the first one we were given. This second one I like even better. It is a beautiful olive green with flex of other colors in the yarn. I tell Riley he can keep the one he has become attached to, its lavender. I like this new one. I wear it everywhere. It goes with my wardrobe. I feel better with it softly draped on my shoulders. I will probably start sleeping with it like Riley does his.

I woke up this morning. Unlike yesterday I am unable to go back to sleep. I feel like I had coffee. I reach over and put my hand on Tom's side of the bed. I think in a few days he'll be back in his own bed also. I miss him being here. We will be a family again soon. Riley will be home. I wonder now if Riley will want to sleep with us again. I don't know if we can let him. Our room is not sanitized. We have a feather bed. Well, I had better get ready for the crew. Today, we prepare for Riley's return on Sunday.